The interview began as a 250 word piece on the Float and Fly for the Livewell section of FLW Outdoors. But five minutes into an hour long talk with "The Guru" I realized I was going to need more paper. We covered everything from the importance of a top heavy bobber, so it will lay over when a big lethargic smallmouth sucks in the fly and doesn't dart off, to the crucial necessity of simply slowing down, allowing the bobber to sit stagnant for 15 to 20 seconds at the time.
However the most interesting part of our conversation concerned Stephen's stomping grounds. He set up shop near and frequents Dale Hollow Lake in northern Tennessee. When I think smallmouth, like most, I've been conditioned for the great lakes to come to mind. But when it comes to giant smallmouth, I found out Dale Hollow is the place to be. I listened in awe as Stephen read from 'The Big Ones', a book dedicated to the record breakers of Dale Hollow.
Most people know that the world record smallmouth, an 11 pound 15 ounce giant caught by David Hayes, came from the cool waters of Dale Hollow long ago. What most don't know is that 4 more of the top 7 all time heavy weights shared the water with her. That's 5 of the 7 biggest smallmouth ever caught. As close to a monopoly as a lake can get.
Location, location, location makes Dale Hollow prime real estate for the next world record smallmouth. History speaks for itself as to whether they live there. The reason? A climate that supports a healthy supply of baitfish and a long growing season for the big ones to bulk up nearly year round. To encourage growth a slot limit is enforced allowing only one fish below 16" and one over 21" per day to be kept. This bold move has made quality smallmouth much more abudant.
Needless to say finding a 12 pounder will be much more than difficult. But if you want to catch 3-5lb smallmouth Dale Hollow is your destination. Make your way by 1 Stop Tackle, gear up and get a couple tips from The Guru, and get on the lake. Just keep it in the back of your mind that any cast could be one for the record books.
Learn more about The Guru at punisherlures.com.
